How to be productive when working from home

We are monitoring the news circulating worldwide about COVID-19 or the Coronavirus, and here at Meg, we have already taken some measures to stay safe. We take this opportunity, leveraging the contact and affection we've always shared with our community, to emphasize the importance of maintaining isolation. It's a relatively simple act that can save lives.

Given that one of the most popular recommendations is to work from home and many people aren't accustomed to it, we thought it would be a good idea to create a post with some tips!

Tips for being productive while working from home

• Tip 1.  Set a time to start and finish work:

Creating a routine is essential for your body to adapt to the day; waking up at the same time and starting work at the same time is essential (as is "leaving" work!).
And if your work hours don't have to be during business hours, you can adapt them to the period when you feel most productive. Some people prefer to start early, while others prefer to start later and stay up until the early hours! 

 

 

• Tip 2. Get into the habit of changing your clothes or getting ready, as if you were actually leaving for work.

This helps your body understand the "I'm going to work" motion and prepares you for another day. You can take a shower, get out of your pajamas, put on nice clothes, and apply makeup, if you wish. You might need to meet someone or even have a surprise Skype meeting.
 

 

• Tip 3. Try to define a physical space as your "work environment."

It could be a table in the living room, in the bedroom... This will help you perceive that location as your workplace and will also encourage those who live with you to respect your time and space.
Keep all the items you need to use nearby, such as your planner, computer, etc., so you don't have to get up to look for something. It's also a good idea to have a water bottle close by to stay hydrated throughout the day.
If you, like me, use your bedroom to work, it's important to note: do not work lying down or sitting on the bed. Besides not being good for your posture, it will be easy to fall asleep.

 

 

 

• Tip 4. Ask your family not to interrupt, so your tasks aren't disrupted and you don't lose focus.

Let them know you're working, that you can't stop all the time, and that once your tasks are done, you can talk and do things together.
If you have children, try to create a schedule with them to define when you'll have time together to play. Establishing a routine for other people in the house can be very helpful, given that everyone will be living in the same space for a while.
Perhaps set a time for studying, playing, taking care of pets and plants, so it doesn't interfere with your daily plans?

 

• Tip 5. Listen to relaxing music through headphones to concentrate.

Music helps avoid distractions from external noises. We recommend this playlist here. 

 

• Tip 6. Create a daily task list with times that include your start time, lunch, and end time, and check off what's done throughout the day.

Taking breaks is essential, so stop for lunch, relax, and stretch your body a little during the periods you determine. There's no need to worry about eating in front of the computer.
This reinforces tip 1 and encourages you to complete the proposed tasks :)

 

We hope these tips help you!

Kisses